9th Grade Takeover Day creates belonging at Truman

Students chose five sessions to participate in for 9th Grade Takeover Day. Sessions focused on arts and crafts, sports, games, baking, wellness, and much more.

9th Grade Takeover Day builds relationships among students that they can carry throughout their four years at Harry S Truman High School.

“We are in our third year of hosting our 9th Grade Takeover Day,” said Principal Jon Craig. “Our goals are to create a smaller community within our larger school community for our newest students, by connecting them in low-pressure, high-interest situations with their peers and staff throughout the building. We feel it is important in building the best, inclusive culture we can at Harry S Truman High School.”

The 9th Grade Think Tank Team, comprised of teachers and administrators, was instrumental in facilitating the day. The team is part of Think Tank Innovators, facilitated by Julia Skolnik, chief learning officer and founder of Professional Learning Partnerships. They focus on identifying student needs and collaboratively innovating solutions based on brain science.

Devon Spiller, a 9th grade biology teacher, who is also a member of the 9th Grade Think Tank Team, SWPBIS program and problem solving committee, spearheaded 9th Grade Takeover Day.

Spiller planned what breakout sessions would be held with which teachers, created a schedule, assigned teachers to different roles, ordered supplies, managed which sessions the ninth graders signed up for, and handled communication with teachers and students.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my team who helped with student sign-ups, communication with teachers, supplies delivery and a strong spirit to make the day successful,” said Spiller. “We met about once a month leading up to the event to talk about next steps and how to make sure the day went smoothly.”

Students chose five of almost 30 different sessions to participate in. Activities included sports (badminton and pickleball), games (Spanish BINGO, retro video games), crafts (design a journal, canvas painting), baking and cooking, coding, wellness (yoga, meditation) and many others.

“My favorite part about the day is being able to walk around to each session and see the students enjoying themselves, having fun with each other and engaging with their teachers,” said Spiller.

This year was the first year Truman held the event on a half day, so some of the team-building exercises had to be cut down, which Spiller hopes they can bring back in the future. Although the day was shorter, the purpose of 9th Grade Takeover Day has remained the same since it began three years ago.

“We want to empower every 9th grade student to be able to succeed and feel connected at Truman,” said Spiller. “The Takeover Day is a time for the ninth graders to interact with each other and their teachers in a more stress-free environment, learn new things about themselves and just have fun at school.”